07/24/2024
Bernie Cyrus
New Orleans Own
In the illustrious milestone 150th anniversary documentary of the New Orleans Public School System, Bernie Cyrus emerged as a standout among the selected 150 graduates who were interviewed and celebrated for their remarkable achievements. Yet, beneath his unassuming exterior, lay a remarkable journey that spanned across 13 different educational institutions. His educational expedition commenced in the vibrant post-WWII neighborhood of Gentilly, where he embarked upon his first formal academic endeavor at McDonough 39 Kindergarten. With his freckled face and fiery red hair, he embodied the mischievous spirit reminiscent of Mad Magazine's iconic Alfred E. Newman, solidifying his role as the quintessential class clown.
As the years unfolded, Bernie's accomplishments multiplied, culminating in his graduation from Marion Abramson Senior High in 1973. Along the way, he garnered numerous accolades, including the esteemed position of SGA Vice-President. In a twist of fate, he temporarily assumed the presidency, along with the coveted privilege of delivering the morning announcements over the school's public address system. However, even amidst his notable achievements, Bernie couldn't entirely escape the lingering echoes of his mischievous past, forever etching an infamous bad boy image into his legacy. Reflecting on those days, he humorously remarks, "It wasn't ADD back then, it was BAD."
As Bernie's passion for filmmaking blossomed, he ventured into documenting the profound impact of the Vietnam War. In a stroke of brilliance and salvation from class assignments he managed to relieve numerous classmates out of their classrooms to participate in his ambitious film project, simply by calling their names during the morning report. Although the filming process extended over several days, the cast consisted of a mere dozen actors, a testament to Bernie's resourcefulness and ability to create something extraordinary out of limited resources. The film was a hit and he got an History Class grade of A solidifying his previous recognition by the Times Picayune newspaper of his widely publicized accession to Honor Roll student. Later, after College he returned to teach at “Abe” the colloquial nickname along with MASH also a very popular TV Series and acronym for Marion Abramson Senior High. Abe would later appear in his first book about the controversial life of Abraham Lincoln appropriately titled Rethinkin’ Lincoln. A book which criticizes the iconic president as a white supremacy and colonization proponent of blacks back to Africa and the Caribbean. Worse, his illegitimate 1860 Republican convention railroad lawyer controlled by the infamous Tycoon Barons of Industry in building the Transcontinental Railroad across America. Millions were defrauded from the federal government into the hands of Lincoln and his associates. Lincoln actually owned the property in Council Bluffs, Iowa which after being moved from the original southern route by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis in all topical surveys conducted became the very first terminus for the Union Pacific Railroad. It was reported by Washington and Baltimore news papers as the “ The King of Frauds.” Who knew? Bernie did.
